This is a blog to chronicle this portion of the life of Staff Sgt. Jason Ross, my son, as he mends, after an I.E.D. explosion, on March 7, 2011, while serving his country in Afghanistan.

Iwo Gima

Marine Corps Marathon

Friday, March 11, 2011

What happened?

First, we would like to thank everyone for all the prayers and support for Jason, as he begins his recovery from the injuries sustained. He is a strong and positive young man and that, combined with strong support from his family and all those who love him, we truly believe he will be able to find his way, from the injuries.

Most of you want to know what happened. Jason was on patrol in Afghanistan, doing his job, when an I.E.D. (improvised explosive device) went off. I'm not going to provide any more details than that, until I am comfortable providing it. He sustained injuries to both his legs, where his left leg was amputated from below the knee and his right leg from above the knee. He also sustained internal injuries and I guess maybe, that was the scariest part for his mother and I.

He was taken to an in-country medical center where they stabilized him enough that they could medevac him to Germany so he could receive additional treatment. Once he was in Germany they took him in for further surgery and it was a little scary again, as Bridgette, his wife, Linda and I were asked to fly to be with him. Linda and I didn't have our passports, so initially they flew us to Washington, D.C. where the State Department provided us with 1-year passports, and Bridgette was able to go directly to be with him, as she is also a Marine.

While we were processing we received news that Jason had improved enough and that he was to be flown to Bethesda, MD, and we would not need to go to Germany. Bridgette was already on her way and would be traveling home with him on the next medevac flight. This was a major relief for us, as it is a strong indication that he stabilized enough and was strong enough to make the flight. It is now about 4:00AM (EST) and we expect to be with him in less than 12 hours. His brother David and David's wife Miriam, are on their way out to be with him and us as well. His other brothers (Sean and George) are all working to make their way out here as well, with the help of the Marines (much appreciated), though due to their different schedules they all won't be coming at the same time. Perhaps that is a good thing, so that Jason doesn't feel over whelmed with too many visitors at once.

This is the first entry in the Sgt Jason Ross blog, and I hope to be able to provide regular updates, so that all who want to know what is going on, will be able to simply see this, and know if something new has happened. I want to, again thank everyone for all the support and please continue to pray for Jason and his family as we walk this path and challenge that God has given us.

6 comments:

We are praying for the best possible care and healing for Jason and comfort for your family. Thank you for sharing details so that we can know more specifically what to pray for. As marine parents and part of the extended Marine family we stand by you in your time of need.

May God Bless you and see you through this difficult time...George & Jane Bowen

Praying for you, your family, and Jason. I work in the OR at Bethesda. In fact, I'm good friends with some people who will be in the room for his next procedure. I will pray specifically for their wisdom, as well as for your son's continuing recovery!